LUXURY TOUR OF CHINA - BEIJING

BeijingYour adventure begins in Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space on earth. View the massive monuments to the heroes of the Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People and the memorial to Chairman Mao Zedong. Then step back in time as we pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter The Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens. Stroll cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor ’s most intimate advisors, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings and jewelry. Visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. Before dinner we’ll venture into the Hutong section of Beijing, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on. Bicycle or ride on rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, past vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops and tiny wooden teahouses.Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey by private car through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. Visit the massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where we’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures. Temple of Heaven - This ornate wooden structure was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshipped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi.